FAQs

Tours will operate Tuesday to Sunday with Tuesday being local only days. First public tours will start on Tuesday, May 9th, 2017.

How long is a tour?

The tour route will last approximately 90 minutes.

How are the Kingston Pen tours made possible?

The Kingston Penitentiary Tours have been made possible through a partnership between the City of Kingston, Correctional Service of Canada and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission who will deliver the tour experience. SLPC has hired over 30 students to act as tour guides supported by retired CSC employees.

Where do the proceeds of the tours go?

Net proceeds of the tours will support tourism and destination marketing initiatives, as well as to support youth programs through the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington.

Can I bring my camera?

Personal cameras are welcome but no tripods or heavy equipment allowed on the tours.

Where does my tour start/where do I meet my tour group?

Please enter through the main doors to the Penitentiary, located on King Street.

Can I bring my walker/wheel chair?

Yes walkers and wheel chairs are allowed on the tours. We have 12 wheelchairs on site. Please note there may be some areas that may be difficult to access.

Will you mail my ticket?

We are not able to mail out tickets. Please print your ticket in advance or display it on your smart phone.
If you do not have a printer there are computers and printers at the Public Library that you can use.

I purchased tickets for a relative/friend as a gift. Will they be able to use them?

In order to facilitate tours leaving at their scheduled time, we will use the attendee list to ensure people leave on the tour they booked. We realize that tickets may have been purchased as gifts for friends and family members. We have a list of those who have purchased tickets and since you have this information, you will be okay. We are trying to minimize the reselling of tickets for a profit.

I purchased tickets for a tour but now realize that I can’t attend that time. Can I switch my tour time?

We can make a date change based on availability however service fees will apply.

This morning the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, Kingston Pen Tours, Correctional Service of Canada and The City of Kingston were proud to present the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington with a cheque of $800,000 to support the Youth Homelessness Initiative.
This generous donation represents 50% of the proceeds from this summer's tours and goes above and beyond the campaign total! 👏
📸: Station 14 Kingston
(Featured from L to R: Director, Historic Sites SLPC - Geoff Waycik, Manager Kingston Pen Tours - Vinnie Rebelo, SLPC Board Chair - Ian Wilson, Former Regional Deputy Commissioner for Ontario Region, Correctional Service Canada - Mike Ryan, Mayor Paterson and 2017 United Way Campaign Chair - Pat Murphy )